Monday, Nov 04, 2024

Things to Do In Abu Dhabi

Things to Do In Abu Dhabi

On our way to India, my husband and I took advantage of a twelve-hour layover in Abu Dhabi. I had never been to the Middle East before. More so than the culture shock, I was deathly afraid of the oppressive heat. We would be traveling to Abu Dhabi in July when the heat is pretty much at its worst.

Abu Dhabi
Courtesy: Unsplash

Even while dressing conservatively (long pants and shirt) and running around like mad, we still managed to have an awesome time. There’s been a slew of new attractions added since we visited a few years ago, so I’ve enlisted the help of some top travel bloggers for suggestions should you want to visit soon! Much of the research on “things to do in Abu Dhabi during a layover” is still a bit scarce. Fear not — we have you covered. Try a few of these, or try them all!

Abu Dhabi sky scrapers
Courtesy: Unsplash

Sheikh Zayed Mosque.

Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler

At the top of every Abu Dhabi visitor’s list is the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. And why not? It’s one of the most impressive structures in the Middle East and the largest mosque in the country. Like a dreamy vision, it seems to spring from nowhere as you driver nearer and nearer to it. Impossibly white and unfathomably grand, don’t forget to pick your jaw up from the floor every now and again.

Mosque in Abu Dhabi
The grandeur of this mosque cannot possibly be overstated! It’s remarkable!

Every single angle offers a remarkable opportunity for a photo, so you might want to walk around first and then circle back a second time for pictures. Really, don’t live behind your camera — take in the grandeur firsthand before snapping away!

Interior of a mosque in Abu Dhabi
Just sheer beauty.

Keep in mind that security tents are separated by gender. Women will be expected to put on an abaya (provided by the staff) before walking around the mosque. I was dressed in long sleeves, a high neckline, pants, and a head scarf and I was still made to put it on. However, it’s surprisingly light and only adds to the rich cultural experience. The dress code is taken seriously, so please be respectful. If your hood (for women) does not remain over your head — they will quickly remind you to cover your hair!

Enormous hand woven rug in a mosque in Abu Dhabi
The world largest hand woven rug!

A Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi.

Contributor: Paulina, Paulina on the Road

Abu Dhabi is a glittering gem among the treasures of the UAE. It makes its mark on the travel map of the world. One thing irreplaceable and unmatchable is the Desert Safari in Abu Dhabi. The best thing to experience on a visit to Abu Dhabi is going on a desert safari to popular places. The top places for desert safaris include Rub Al Khali and Al Khaznah. Whether you want an inexpensive desert safari or a five-star experience, Abu Dhabi has a myriad of operators who offer tours to suit your needs.

You can go for a morning desert safari, an evening desert safari, or at midnight. However, mornings are the best time to experience a desert safari with cool temperatures. You can even opt for an overnight desert safari if you prefer stars over hotel ceilings. It is great to experience sleeping in a tent in the desert and witness sunrise in the early morning.

The must-do things in Abu Dhabi include camel rides and a camel farm visit, quad biking, dune bashing, BBQ dinner at a Bedouin Camp, shopping for recyclable clothing brands from regional markets, and camping under the stars.

Riding camels in Abu Dhabi
Courtesy: Pixabay

The Louvre, Abu Dhabi. 

Contributor: Ania, The Travelling Twins

The Louvre is the biggest museum in the world. Recently the museum opened the only new branch of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi is a place where you can see the most famous art pieces in the world. If you want to be dazzled by these sculptures and paintings, then this is your chance. You also get to see some of the best architecture in the world too. The Louvre Abu Dhabi was designed by architect Jean Nouvel and even if you are not into the art, visiting this architectural marvel is an adventure on its own. 

The nine museum galleries show in chronological order the history of human art. The Louvre Abu Dhabi offers exceptional moments with all of these beautiful things in front of you that make up an incredible piece of art history. 

The Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi/Courtesy: Travelling Twins

The combination of the artifacts and the building design makes this museum better and more impressive than other museums around the globe. 

Standard tickets for adults cost AED 63 (US $17), kids 13-22 years old AED 31,5 (US $9), children below 13 are free to enter.

The best part – there are no lines or crowds!

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. 

Contributor: Diana, The Globetrotting Detective

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is one of the most awesome amusement parks and the largest indoor theme park in the world. It’s located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.

Are you ready for the most thrilling and heart-racing fun of your life? Ferrari World is all about speed and adventure.

There, you’ll find 40 epic rides and mind-blowing attractions. It hosts four really cool zones, the Family Zone, Italian Zone, Adventure Zone, and F1 Zone which offers a lot of fun for families as well as daredevil travelers looking to get their adrenaline fix.

Ferrari World is home to the largest roller coaster of the world, Formula Rossa. It can accelerate up to 240 km/h (150 mph) in 4.9 seconds at a maximum height of 52 meters (170 feet). It will be the craziest experience of your life.

Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi
Courtesy: Ferrari

The second major highlight of Ferrari World is the Flying Acres rollercoaster. Its loop is as tall as 63 meters (206 feet) which is the highest loop on the planet. This will leave you feeling breathless.

There are also numerous other stomach-flipping and spine-tingling experiences. Walk on the red roof of Ferrari World or zip line from the top of Ferrari World. It cannot get any crazier! Or can it?

Do you want to feel like a real drift champion? Jump in a go-kart and race on the 290-meter-long (950 feet) go-karting track of Ferrari World.

And that’s not everything! There are a whole lot more surprises awaiting you in one of the most awesome theme parks that exist on the planet.

Zip line at Ferrari World in Abu Dhabi
Courtesy: Travel and Leisure

The Emirates Palace.

Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler

Have you ever walked around a city and thought to yourself, “You know something, I really want to feel like shit about my income”? Then Emirates Palace is the place for you!

Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi
Wandered into the lobby and immediately felt like a peasant.

OK, OK. I’m being facetious. But, as you walk beneath the gigantic chandeliers and marvel at the gold-adorned everything, you’ll find yourself wondering WHO CAN AFFORD TO STAY HERE!? The good news is that even if you can’t afford to spend the night, you are still able to enjoy the hotel in other ways.

Emirates Palace at night.

The best way? Dining. Pop in to the lobby area or Le Cafe to escape the heat and treat yourself to some camel burgers followed by a camel milk ice cream covered with a 24K edible golden leaf. If you need a jolt in your step, you can opt for the gold cappuccino instead.

Golden ice cream in Abu Dhabi
Why, yes, I did treat myself to gold ice cream.
Anxiously awaiting my ice cream and trying not to look sweaty.

Looking for something more substantial? Head to the BBQ Al Quasr restaurant on the premises, voted the most romantic restaurant in Abu Dhabi. The scene is something out of Arabia of a bygone era — think seaside gazebo dining, tons of candle light, and artful fire pits. Treat yourself to middle Eastern barbecue with one hell of a view.

Courtesy: TripAdvisor

Marina Mall. 

Contributor: Victoria, Guide Your Travel

The Marina Mall is one of the most famous landmarks in Abu Dhabi. It sits on the man-made Marina Island right next to the ferris wheel. If you are arriving by car, you can use one of the 4,000 parking spaces reserved for visitors. Most tourists choose to arrive by taxi though so parking will not be an issue.

This mall accommodates more than 400 luxury stores such as Gucci, Chanel, Hugo Boss, Burberry and many more. On an area of 122,000 square meters (over 1 million square feet) spread over 5 floors, you will find everything you need to spend a whole day inside the Marina Mall. The building itself is hard to miss since you can see the attached tower from miles away. The tower is used as an observation platform as well as a revolving restaurant from where you can overlook the skyline of Abu Dhabi.

Inside the mall, you will also find lots of restaurants from McDonald’s to fine dining. Besides lots of shops and restaurants, you will also find a cinema, a bowling centre, an ice rink, and a trampoline park to keep you entertained. The gigantic mall is open Saturday to Wednesday from 10 am to 10 pm and Thursday to Friday until midnight.

Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi
 Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Zaya Nurai Island.

Contributor: Arzo, Arzo Travels

Zaya Nurai Island is a little but gorgeous island that belongs to Abu Dhabi and it is the perfect place for an escape from bustling Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
The private island is also known as the Maldives of the Emirates (with the most beautiful beach in the country) and there are a couple of activities for any kind of traveler.
The luxury hotel on the island does not come cheaply but offers private beaches (each villa has its own section), and a private pool for each villa. So, there is a lot of privacy for people visiting. If an overnight stay is not in your budget, book a ticket for a day.  
Taking a walk at the beach, chilling at the “public” beach area or lounging at the pool, watching the sunrise, or having a drink at one of the bars are all great ways to spend some time at Zaya Nurai Island. You can also get pampered and book some spa treatments.
How to get there: You have to get to the boat station on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi by bus or taxi. Then take the boat to get to Zaya Nurai Island. Or, you could also opt for the helicopter or seaplane to get to the island. Book your stay or day pass in advance and you will be able to enjoy a rather unique place in the Emirates.
Zaya Nurai Island/Courtesy: Arzo Travels

Etihad Towers Observation Deck.

Contributor: Stephanie, Wandering Why Traveler

Halfway up the elevator to the 74th floor of the Etihad Towers, you’re likely to feel your ears ‘pop’ and wonder, “Is this really a good idea?” But, by that point it’s too late — and you’re forced to enjoy the jaw-dropping wonder and awe of the Observation Deck.

Up and away we go!

Get yourself a drink and a decadent desert. After you enjoy both, do a complete lap around the deck and check out the city below from every angle. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of places like the Atlantis resort being built, as well as the sandy shores and unfathomably blue water.

Delicious and expensive as hell.

My advice is to go in the late afternoon when you can watch the sunset and you’re able to take in the scene both in the daytime and the evening when the lights outside begin to twinkle. Play some pool, grab another cold drink, and don’t forget to marvel down through the windows while simultaneously wondering, “How did I wind up HERE!?”

Enjoying happy hour at Etihad Towers!

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